Russia faces demographic crisis

Nearly twice as many deaths as births have been recorded in Russia in the first half of 1996, and the continuing trend has sparked fears of a demographic crisis.

The latest report from Moscow's state statistical committee shows that between January and July in Moscow there were 34 356 births and 66 586 deaths. Irina Shcherbakova, spokeswoman for the committee, said these figures reflect the trend right across Russia. The death rate has declined slightly, owing to a drop in the number of murders, suicides, and accidents rather than to improvements in health. …